Friday, March 29, 2024

Are we expecting a big January transfer window for Graham Potter & Chelsea?

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While Chelsea might have been smelling the chance to open the New Year with a flurry on Sunday afternoon, the Blues once again fell short as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest.

With some left shocked back in September when it was announced that Graham Potter would be replacing Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge, the former Brighton boss is enduring a difficult start to life in west London.

Although the Blues might have marked their return from the World Cup break with a 2-0 victory at home against Bournemouth, that is the only Premier League win that Chelsea have claimed from their last seven attempts.

Now appearing in an uphill battle if they’re to claim a top-four finish this season, it has been suggested that the former European champions could be in for a hectic January transfer window.

Ahead of what looks set to be a hugely important month for the London giants, we have taken a look at a few stars who have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Enzo Fernandez – Benfica

While it might have been Lionel Messi who stole most of the headlines out in Qatar this winter as Argentina claimed a third world crown, Enzo Fernandez has only continued to gain a string of plaudits from across Europe.

Putting in a host of stellar displays in the Middle East and awarded with the World Cup’s Young Player of the Tournament accolade, the 21-year-old is certainly in high demand now the window has reopened.

However, with Potter’s side taking an aggressive approach in January, the Blues appear in pole position to snap up Fernandez’s signature after several discussions with Benfica over what could be a blockbuster deal.

While the Portuguese giants might value their talisman in the region of £106million, the Premier League outfit have not been put off and it looks like they’re inching closer towards a potential deal.

With The Daily Mail reporting over the weekend that Chelsea are set for crucial midweek talks in order to push through a deal, that report also suggested that Fernandez is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge this month.

Benoit Badiashile – Monaco

With Wesley Fofana picking up yet another injury set-back during the World Cup’s festive break, it is no secret that Chelsea are keen on adding defensive reinforcements this month.

As former Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly continues to struggle with life in the Premier League, The Athletic reported on Sunday that the Blues have completed a deal for another central defender.

Continuing to show some extended defensive issues this season, it appears that Potter’s side look set to complete a deal worth in the region of £33million for Monaco’s Benoit Badiashile.

With the 21-year-old receiving plenty of praise from across Ligue 1 after becoming a crucial part of Monaco’s European charge, Badiashile has also agreed on personal terms for what will be a long-term contract in west London.

With his medical at Stamford Bridge expected to be completed within the next couple of days, the two-cap France international appears to be an alternative option for RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol.

Standing at 6ft 4in and gaining a reputation in France for his ball-playing attributes, Potter will be hoping that Badiashile can help plug his leaky defence.

Joao Felix – Atletico Madrid

Although Chelsea might have recorded just a sole clean sheet in any of their previous six Premier League appearances, the former European champions have also struggled to find much stability in the final third.

With ex-Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang failing to cement his place in Potter’s plans since returning to London, it appears that the Blues are keen on adding another attacking option in January.

While Joao Felix might have arrived at Spanish giants Atletico Madrid back in July 2019 for what was a record-breaking fee of £113m, it appears that the 23-year-old is likely on the move this month.

With both Atletico and Felix making it clear over recent weeks that the Portugal international is seeking a new adventure away from the Spanish capital, Chelsea are the latest Premier League side to chuck their hat in the ring.

Despite facing a potential battle with Manchester United, The Mirror reported last week that Potter is keen on making a January swoop for either a loan or a permanent deal.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tom Dunstan


Formerly of The Independent, Tom has spent the past six years as one of our senior writers and betting experts. Alongside working with numerous publications from across the globe, Tom also graduated from the University of Falmouth in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media.
Spending almost the past decade working in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, he has also spent time featuring in sports radio. Tom can be followed on Instagram - @iamtomdunstan

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